Different Strokes: The Best Kayak Paddles for the Smoothest Ride

Did you know a paddle can make or break your kayak's performance? I meet plenty of folks who take great pride in their kayaks. Adventurers who boast even rocks couldn't scratch their kayak. Fishers who are adamant their vessel doesn't make a single ripple. And boaters who claim they splice water like a hot knife through butter. Rarely, though, do people brag to me about the quality of their kayak paddles. Most consider kayak paddles as a handy accessory; simply an add-on for their overall kayaking investment. And this assumption is what makes them a severely underrated tool. In this post, I want to talk a little bit about paddles and how they're constructed. Lastly, I'll break down five of the best kayak paddles you can invest in today.
This kayak paddle is a great middle-of-the-road option for the casual paddler who wants to get the most out of their kayak without breaking the bank. Built to last with fiberglass construction, it also features an asymmetrical blade shape that propels your vessel through the water with ease. I'm also a big fan of the spoon-like wide blade design, which makes it much easier for folks newer to kayaking to generate power effectively.
This is on the absolute best kayak paddles with a dihedral blade design and I fondly recommend this Werner for fishing, in particular. It's a lightweight carbon fiber blend with a traditional design that offers adjustable ferrules to get a custom feathered angle for your experience.
Now, this paddle is a prime example for kayakers who enjoy larger bodies of water. Featuring top-of-the-line construction, it offers carbon-reinforced blades and a fiberglass shaft. It also breaks into two pieces, which can be easily feathered in 15-degree increments to suit your paddling style without wearing yourself out.
This is the best kayak paddle when it comes to being affordable without sacrificing quality. Featuring an asymmetrical design as well as fiberglass blades, this paddle will help stabilize any user's stroke. One handy feature for casual kayakers is that it easily breaks into four pieces, making storage a breeze (without worrying about potential damage or simply taking up too much room).
While some traditional paddlers are fans of a straight shaft design, like me, others enjoy a bent shaft kayak paddle. And one of the best kayak paddlers with a bent shaft is this Aqua Bound Tango. The overall design makes it super comfortable to kayakers of all kinds, which is due in part to lightweight fiberglass blades and a sturdy carbon shaft.
What Features Make the Best Kayak Paddles?
Your kayak's performance can be greatly improved with a well-suited paddle. But what makes the best kayak paddle for you? Let's start with by discussing some major features:- Blades
- Bar/Shaft/Ferrule
- Material Weight
- Overall Length
The Best Kayak Paddle Blade Shapes
Blades come in all shapes and sizes. However, it's important to hone in on certain considerations. To cut to the chase, consider a blade with these main components:- Asymmetrical Shorter on one side than the other, this design is better able to cut through the water.
- Dihedral Like a speed bump through the middle, a dihedral blade better manages water flow.
- Narrow Blades Better for long-haul trips. On a fishing trip or spending time on a lake/smaller body of water, you want finesse. Therefore, narrower blades help you make way (without startling away fish in the process).
- Wider Blades Best for short bursts of power, making a quick trip downriver.
The Best Kayak Paddle Shafts and Ferrules
When it comes to your paddle's shaft, this is more about the style of your stroke. The two main choices are:- Straight Shaft Paddles Exactly as you would imagine, a straight shaft is simply one long line.
- Bent Shaft Paddles Kinks and depressions to allow various hand positions.
The Best Kayak Paddle Materials
A general rule in kayaking circles: the heavier your paddle, the shorter time you're out on the water. Consider the materials used for your kayak paddles. Lighter materials will definitely cost you, so you also might need to consider a combination of materials to meet your minimally acceptable level of comfort. Here are the primary materials available for the best kayak paddles:- Plastic A bit of a catchall term, plastic kayak paddles are where you will find affordability. However, these are the paddles you'll likely find at any kayak rental dock; super utilitarian and easy on the wallet, but it won't do your stroke any favors.
- Fiberglass Somewhere in the middle, fiberglass is a great and practical option for a bit more price-conscious folks. They are good in the water and are what I typically carry paddling.
- Carbon-fiber Want to feel fancy? Carbon-fiber blades make excellent paddles as they're super light. Choose carbon-fiber when you want to zip along the water. When true performance matters, carbon-fiber paddles are what you need, regardless of their price tag.
The Best Kayak Paddle Length
How do you know if a paddle is right for you? It's all about proportions. Taller paddlers and wider kayaks require longer paddles. Most paddles offer their own size specifications, but it helps to know both your personal measurements and those of your kayak. From there, you can get a general idea of what paddle length is good for you. Based on a person's height and kayak width, here's a basic breakdown of the paddle length you need:- Under 5 ft | 210 - 240 cm
- From 5 ft - 5 ft 6 in | 215 - 240 cm
- From 5 ft 6 in - 6 in | 220 - 250 cm
- Over 6 ft | 220 - 250 cm
The Best Kayak Paddles for the Smoothest Ride
Carlisle Magic Kayak Paddle
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Carlisle Paddle Gear Magic Plus Kayak Paddle (Sunrise, 230 cm)
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- Shaft Style: Straight
- Pieces: Two
- Length: 220/230/240 centimeters
- Key Feature: Fiberglass construction
Werner Camano Premium Kayak Paddle
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Werner Camano Fiberglass Straight Shaft Kayak Paddle-GradientAbyss-240cm
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- Shaft Style: Straight
- Pieces: Two
- Length: 220 - 240 centimeters
- Key Feature: Dihedral blade
AQUA BOUND Sting Ray Kayak Paddle
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AQUA BOUND Sting Ray Carbon 2-Piece Kayak Paddle, Black CR Blade/Posi-Lok Carbon Shaft, 230 cm
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- Shaft Style: Straight
- Pieces: Two
- Length: 210 - 240 centimeters
- Key Feature: Carbon fiber
Airhead Kayak Paddle
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Airhead Kayak Paddle, 4 sect, 220cm , Asymetrical Blade, white (AHTK-P3)
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- Shaft Style: Straight
- Pieces: Four
- Length: 220 centimeters
- Key Feature: Compact storage
AQUA BOUND Tango Kayak Paddle
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AQUA BOUND Tango Fiberglass Bent Shaft 2-Piece Kayak Paddle-Sunwave-220cm
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- Shaft Style: Bent
- Pieces: Two
- Length: 210 - 250 centimeters
- Key Feature: Fiberglass construction
Extra Accessories for Your New Kayak Paddle
Find the best kayak paddle for you! And when you do, consider a few accessories to bolster its performance:- Drip Rings Keep water from getting on your bar and messing with your stroke with these universal drip rings (check price on Amazon).
- Paddle Grips If blisters aren't your style, especially if you're new to kayaking, I recommend some soft paddle grips (check price on Amazon) to help you out.
- Paddle Holder If you're interested in fishing or simply exploring uncharted waters, a grip-like paddle holder (check price on Amazon) can help keep everything in place while you're busy.